HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1871

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to salmon stamps.

Brief Description:  Creating the salmon stamp programs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Linville, Ericksen, Regala, Reardon, Buck, Cooper, Clements and G. Chandler.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  2/24/99, 3/1/99 [DPS].

           Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Creates a program of salmon stamps as a way to raise revenues for salmon recovery and public education.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Buck, Republican Co-Chair; Regala, Democratic Co-Chair; Anderson, Democratic Vice Chair; Sump, Republican Vice Chair; G. Chandler; Clements; Doumit; Eickmeyer; Ericksen; Rockefeller and Stensen.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Pennington.

Staff:  Carole Richmond (786-7114).

Background:

Fish and wildlife stamps can serve several purposes.   These stamps may be required  as part of a fishing or hunting license in order to raise revenues for the protection and acquisition of habitat. These stamps may also be used to provide a voluntary opportunity for people to support fish and wildlife habitat.

In Washington, there is no required salmon stamp program, but there is a required migratory bird stamp for migratory bird hunters.  The bird stamps, which cost $6, must be purchased by hunters, in addition to a basic hunting license.   The stamps may also be purchased by non-hunters and collectors, who often buy them in sheets or blocks.  The revenue from the sale of migratory bird stamps is used to support the migratory bird program.

Washington's bird stamp program is modeled on the federal Duck Stamp program started in 1934.  That stamp must be purchased by hunters who hunt for ducks on national wildlife refuges, and may be purchased by anyone else.  The revenues from the sale of duck stamps are used to purchase and lease waterfowl habitat.  Federal duck stamps are collectors' items and have appreciated in value over the years.

Several stocks of Pacific salmonids are about to be listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Recovery of these stocks requires funding, as well as public awareness. 

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Washington salmon stamp program is created in the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  A salmonid species native to Washington is portrayed in the form of stamps, posters, and prints for sale in a wide range of prices and editions.  Proceeds from the sale of the stamp are used for the sole purpose of fisheries enhancement and habitat restoration by regional fisheries enhancement groups.  Each year, a competition open to all Washington artists for the creation of the year's salmon stamp is announced by the department.  The winning artist receives a monetary award.

In addition, the junior salmon stamp program is created in the department.  This program is identical to the salmon stamp program, except that the artists' competition is open to children in grades kindergarten through 12.  The winning junior artist receives a scholarship award.

The salmon stamp selection committee is created.  The committee is comprised of five individuals appointed by the Governor who will select the winning entries.

All receipts from the salmon stamp program must be deposited in the regional fisheries enhancement account.  The department is required to report biennially to the Legislature on the amount of money generated by the program and the salmon recovery projects funded.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill does not require the creation of a separate account in the state treasury.  Instead, revenues from the program are deposited in the regional fisheries enhancement salmonid recovery account created under RCW 75.50.125.  Expenditures from the account may only be used for the purposes specified in RCW 75.50.125.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  (Original Bill)  More funding is needed for salmon recovery.  This program provides a way to secure funding without raising taxes or a great deal of cost to the state.  It will also raise public awareness and allow people to demonstrate their support directly for salmon and salmon habitat protection and restoration.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Linville, prime sponsor; Bill Hiblar, Trout Unlimited; and Bruce Crawford, Department of Fish and Wildlife.